Trump Considers Strikes on Venezuelan Drug Cartels

President Donald Trump is considering military strikes against drug cartels within Venezuela, as part of a broader strategy to weaken leader Nicolas Maduro’s position. After a deadly strike on a suspected drug boat, the campaign against drug cartels, some labelled as terrorist groups, is anticipated to escalate. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, including positioning ships, aircraft, and troops near Venezuela. Maduro has been labelled as a narco-terrorist, with a bounty for his arrest raised to $50 million. Despite Trump’s denial of seeking regime change in Venezuela, it’s unclear what the effect of these strikes will be on Maduro’s position. Concerns are arising over the legal justification for these strikes, and the administration’s intentions, particularly as the U.S. continues to coordinate with Venezuelan officials on deportation flights and resume oil operations in Venezuela.